Cover Letters. Neccesary or waste of time?

allnurses Guide · Sep 2, 2013

I read cover letters of applicants carefully. They are the applicants chance to convey themselves and their interest in the position.

I glance a resumes before interviews but, for the most part, applicants are equally qualified and resumes are similar. Your cover letter makes you stand out or not stand out. Generic cover letters do little to help, no cover letter does nothing.

I think you did yourself a disservice. If you happen to get an interview and the interviewer asks why you didn't invest time in a letter what will you say?

froggg123 · Sep 3, 2013

I have never written a cover letter and have always had an interview for what I have applied to, I guess it depends on where you live, I have several emails of job announcements daily, I have had great interviews and offers. I guess if you live where jobs are scarce then cover letters can be an advantage for you to get an "in"

nitasarn · Sep 3, 2013

I never had one.

eager1hasbegun · Sep 3, 2013

I went on multiple interviews earlier this summer and several of the nurse managers AND HR reps referred to my cover letter during the interviews. You use it to explain your goals, and why you're talents and experiences (things that you might not necessarily mention in a resume) make you the best candidate for the job.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2013

I always send one. I get a little rattled when there is no place to attach or create a cover letter. As the other poster stated, just by glancing at my resume' you don't really get the whole picture of me. A cover letter is a good way to grab the readers attention and want to look more carefully at the resume.

elkpark · Sep 3, 2013

I've never submitted an application without an individual cover letter written for that position, discussing my particular interest in the position and how that dovetails with the larger "themes" of my career, and highlighting how my personal professional experiences and skills suit the requirements of the position. It can sometimes be challenging to figure out how to submit it with an on-line application form; in my experience, they don't have a designated spot for uploading a "cover" letter, but I've ended up just uploading it as the first page of my CV. Potential employers have generally commented specifically (positively) on the inclusion of the letter with my online application.

Maybe things wouldn't turn out any differently if I didn't do this, but I'm old school and was taught back in the Dark Ages that any application for any job should include a cover letter.

chevyv, BSN, RN · Sep 4, 2013

I was told not to include a cover letter because employers have so many applications to go through that they don't read them. After putting out several apps without as much as a nibble, I am now rethinking that. I've also contacted a resume service for help. If anything comes of it, I will give a shout out.

neverbethesame · Sep 4, 2013

ALWAYS include a cover letter!!! It is an opportunity for you to SHINE! Share things about yourself that have no section on a resume and/or paint a picture for the "them" why all of your past work experience, school experience, volunteer experience all come together in a beautifully written masterpiece that will compel them to call you for an interview!

I used to work in workforce development and I believe that a cover letter is even more critical now than 5 years ago since there is so much competition for jobs. elkpark is right on the money! Do exactly that. If there is no cover letter section to upload it, make it your first page then the resume is the next page(s). When "they" open it they will see the cover letter first then the resume.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Sep 5, 2013

As a hiring Manager, I always look at the Cover letter to see how the candidate is able to convey their thoughts: can they type a concise coherent paragraph describing themselves and why they want to work for my company?. Do they use professional language and tone, any typographical errors?

Did they appear to take the time to perform research about our facility: any mention of our mission statement, JCAHO accreditation, refer to press release about our 5% hospital readmission rate that attracted them to want to work for us..... or is it all cookie cutter from a software program? Is the cover letter addressed to myself "Central Intake Manager, XYZ Home Health Agency " or is it addressed to ER Manager, Virtua Hospital (oops, I work for home health!!) showing they were inattentive to application process.

I certainly expect an APN to use a coversheet. With the advent of hiring software program, have coversheet as first page with resume behind, upload in resume attachment section even when you have filled in software sections. Philadelphia has scant positions for experienced RN's yet alone new grads. I'm averaging 150+ candidates applying for ONE position in my department; my glance at the cover letter will make me want to consider the candidate or automatically send rejection email as "better candidate identified."

Annaiya, NP · Sep 5, 2013

I agree that you should always submit a cover letter. I do not repeat what I have in my resume, but rather use it as a way to sell myself and highlight my qualities that make me stand out that aren't conveyed in my resume. I talk about my personality, work ethic, etc. It also allows you to show enthusiasm for the job, which can't be conveyed in a resume. My mom has worked in HR for 30 years, and she has always told me that enthusiasm for the job will get you hired over straight qualifications every time. People want to work with people who have a passion for what they are doing. I think this is especially true in health care. I know cover letters are a pain and take a ton of time, but don't lose this opportunity to sell yourself.